MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Barnett, Blackwell, Burton, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Witherspoon
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSASSINATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., ON APRIL 4, 1968.
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at Memphis' Lorraine Motel, which is now the home of the National Civil Rights Museum; and
WHEREAS, given the significance of the 50th Anniversary of Dr. King's assassination approaching April 4, 2018, there is no doubt that the State of Mississippi will be in the national spotlight. In remembrance of Dr. King's national and global impact, many organizations throughout the nation are planning community programs and events. As a part of this effort, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will also host several programs. These commemoration events will provide a tremendous opportunity for the State of Mississippi to partner strategically, provide a venue for meaningful community dialogue and bring significant visibility to our state; and
WHEREAS, as Dr. King deliberately coordinated his efforts during the Civil Rights Movement, he consistently worked to improve the standing of African-Americans, females and all minorities in six specific areas: poverty, wage discrimination, housing, education, justice and peace. In a time when many minorities were born into a cycle of poverty due to overt racism and wage discrimination in the workplace, families would often have few, if any, opportunities to improve their quality of lives. As a result, minorities received substandard education and lived in poor conditions. Dr. King worked to change that through speeches, rallies, marches and advocacy for legislation. He collaborated with other Civil Rights leaders to activate change and make stands for the oppressed. The Poor People's Campaign held firm to the movement's commitment to nonviolence. Dr. King originally wanted the Poor People's Campaign to start in Quitman County, Mississippi, because of the intense and visible economic disparity there; and
WHEREAS, each generation looks at history from a different perspective. As we move into the 21st Century, it is incumbent upon us to realize that, while Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King were global, influential leaders who answered divine calls to fulfill great assignments, we too have assignments to complete. Together we can use our skills to build the community and win for humanity. Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals such as Dr. King and Medger Evers; and
WHEREAS, it is with great reverence that the State of Mississippi join the global commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Dr. King's assassination:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which occurred on April 4, 1968.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we encourage the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to coordinate appropriate events and educational programs to bring attention to this important historic landmark.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.